Each week, government-led Freddie Mac publishes a weekly mortgage rate survey based on data from 125 banks across the country. According to this week’s results, the relative rate of a 5-year ARM is extremely low versus its 30-year fixed-rate cousin.

California, Florida, Arizona and Georgia accounted for more than half of all bank repossessions in March 2010. It’s a disproportionate distribution of foreclosures. Together, the 4 states represent just 23 percent of the overall U.S. population.

If you’re under contract for a home and plan to close in May, consider a closing date other than Friday May 28, 2010.

Not all home improvements are created equal. Especially if you’re looking for “resale value” back from your work. An article from the Wall Street Journal lays it out cleanly. Function beats flash these days so be wary of where you spend.

If you own kitchen knives, you better keep them honed. That’s because a dull knife blade not only slows you down in the kitchen, but it can be more dangerous than its ready-to-cut counterpart, too. In this brief, 2-minute video, you’ll learn how to use a knife steel to keep your kitchen cutlery in top form.

If your pre-qualification and/or pre-approval letter is more than 8 weeks old, it would be prudent to have your lender “re-pre-approve” you. Mortgage guidelines have been in flux and your original lender letter may now be invalid.

Taxes are due April 15 and if you’re among the millions of Americans who wait until the last week to file, watch this video interview. It could help you reduce your federal tax liability.

From March’s Fed Minutes, it’s clear that the Fed’s concern about inflation is hugely diminished — a major plus for the mortgage bond market and mortgage rates.

As expected, the Pending Home Sales shot higher in February, boosted by the federal home buyer tax credit’s April 30 deadline.

If you’ve never watched the 3-minute “It Takes Just Three Steps To Get Ready For An Emergency” video from Ready.gov, do it now.